Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) Transportation Services is in dire need of school bus drivers for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year. Facing a common challenge nationwide, OCPS is stepping up its recruitment game by hosting a job fair today in Orlando in an attempt to fill its roster with about 100 new drivers. "The driver shortage is not unique to Orange County. It’s all across the country. We are all struggling to find bus drivers, qualified bus drivers," Bill Wen, senior director of OCPS Transportation Services, said in a statement, as reported by ClickOrlando.
Aside from offering a highly competitive salary, OCPS is dangling quite an enticing carrot with a bonus of up to $16,000 over two years. This substantial sum is part of a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance the benefits package for both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years. According to a West Orlando News report, prospective employees will find additional perks including paid training, health insurance at no cost, retirement packages through the Florida Retirement System, and a benefits package valued at $21,513.
OCPS is not just stopping at today's job fair, which runs until noon at the Hanging Moss Transportation Compound, it is planning a series of recruitment events through December. Candidates looking for a position as a Bus Operator can apply until all slots are filled, and those interested in Fleet Tech positions can submit their applications by September 1st. Furthermore, those employed will enjoy no weekend or late-night shifts, paid holidays, sick days, and the opportunity for additional work via field trips.
The job fair itself is set at Hanging Moss Compound, located at 6721 Hanging Moss Road, Orlando, FL 32807, offering interested individuals the chance to engage with OCPS representatives. With newer school buses and seven work locations, the prospects for potential bus drivers and mechanics seem promising. For job seekers not able to attend today's event, additional career fairs are scheduled for September 9th and 23rd, October 7th, 14th, and 28th, November 11th and 18th, and December 2nd and 16th, as reported by West Orlando News.
